Cup-tied Mario Balotelli forced to sit out AC Milan's Champions League game with Barcelona

AC MILAN will be without former Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli when they face Barcelona in the Champions League on Wednesday evening.

Mario Balotelli salutes the San Siro crowd after scoring a free-kick against Parma

The 22-year-old is cup-tied from his involvement in the competition earlier this season with the Citizens, and will have to watch his team try and overcome the La Liga leaders from the sidelines.

Balotelli has fitted in seamlessly after completing a £19m January move from Manchester City to AC Milan, and added a fourth goal to his tally from just three games during Friday night's 2-1 victory over Parma.

A second half free-kick from the mercurial Italian ended up being the difference for Milan, who have so far seen only the best from their latest recruit.

Mario Balotelli has fitted in seamlessly after completing a £19m January move to Milan

It was noted that Balotelli's adopted parents not moving to Manchester with him in 2010 could have had a negative effect on his temperament, while he has joined the club he supports in AC Milan.

Milan will hope that they can continue to extract the good side of Balotelli, who is undoubtedly a fantastic talent, although they will have to do without him this season in the remainder of their Champions League campaign.